What better day is there to take time for yourself than May 18, Employee Health and Fitness Day. Nationally recognized on the third Wednesday in May, it celebrates the benefits of health and well-being in the workplace.
At your fingertips are a variety of university programs and resources to support your body, mind and mood. Here are five simple ways you can care for yourself on May 18 and beyond:
Connect with someone
Make a point to reach out to a colleague, friend or loved one. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month and being there for someone can be a mood booster for both of you. For extra support, confidential online screenings, professional counselors, and other resources are available at no charge.
Plus, on May 25, MHealthy will offer a special 30-minute workshop focused on creating healthy work-related and personal boundaries.
Get moving
Movement is good for your body and mind. Take a walk, stretch your muscles or get moving in a free MHealthy exercise and relaxation class. Live Zoom classes are available in the well-being and benefits channel on umichWORKS Slack. Can't make a live class? No problem – access the Exercise Video Library on the MHealthy Portal anytime!
Learn about your current health needs
It’s typical for our well-being needs to change over time. If you want to find out your current needs, MHealthy’s annual health questionnaire (HQ) is the place to start. It’s confidential and only takes a few minutes to complete.
Based on your responses, you’ll see what you are doing well, and which health areas may need your attention. You’ll also get a personalized list of resources tailored to you. Active, benefits-eligible faculty, staff and their U-M health plan enrolled spouse/OQA can access the HQ on the MHealthy Portal.
Do a skin check
May is also recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness Month. More skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. each year than all other cancers combined. Check your skin, preferably at least once a month. This can help you find many skin cancers early when they are easier to treat. View tips on how to check and protect your skin.
Eat a nutritious meal
Enjoying a delicious, healthier meal doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Explore MHealthy’s website to find recipes, free cooking classes, videos and more nutrition-related resources.
Want more ideas?
Find health and well-being resources on the MHealthy website and support for every part of your personal well-being on the Well-being at U-M site.
